Professors and Researchers

The information in this section is intended for visiting international professors and researchers who are coming to the U.S. temporarily for teaching or research positions. If you are UCB Staff or Faculty inviting an international scholar, see our UCB Departments section.

Types of Immigration Status for International Professors and Researchers

The UC Berkeley host department, in consulation with Berkeley International Office, will help you determine the most appropriate immigration status for your stay in the U.S. For specific information regarding federal immigration reguations and university policies, select from the categories below.

The H‑1B nonimmigrant status permits temporary employment in "Specialty Occupations." The minimum educational level acceptable for H-1B status is a bachelor's degree in the field of the proposed employment.

The O-1 is for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics or who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.